SARS-CoV-2 Lambda (C.37): An emerging variant of concern?

• Published in: Gene reports Vol. 25; p. 101378
• Main Authors: Darvishi, Mohammad, Rahimi, Farid, Talebi Bezmin Abadi, Amin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.12.2021
• Subjects: C.37; COVID-19; GISAID; GR/452Q.V1; Lambda; Pandemic; SARS-CoV-2; Sequencing analysis; COVID-19; C.37; SARS-CoV-2; GISAID; Sequencing analysis; GR/452Q.V1; Pandemic; Lambda
• ISSN: 2452-0144; 2452-0144
• DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101378

Many SARS-CoV-2 variants have high infectivity and transmissibility. The viral genome data show that the COVID-19 curves of daily case numbers were shaped by the emergence of the variants, including Alpha 202012/01 GRY (B.1.1.7; the U.K.), Beta GH/501Y.V2 (B.1.351, B.1.351.2, and B.1.351.3; South Africa), Gamma GR/501Y.V3 (P.1, P.1.1, and P.1.2; Japan, Brazil), Eta G/484K.V3 (B.1.525; Nigeria, the U.K.), Delta G/478K.V1 (B.1.617.2, AY.1, AY.2, and AY.3; India), Iota GH/253G.V1 (B.1.526; the U.S.A.), and Kappa G/452R.V3 (B.1.617.1; India). The Lambda (C.37) variant was reported in Peru initially; this has spread to 41 countries in four continents. Seven out of eight mutations in this variant are associated with the viral spike protein, akin to mutations in the other variants. These mutations have implications for effectiveness of the vaccines and neutralizing antibodies in immunized subjects and those previously infected with the virus and are thought to facilitate the viral invasion into host cells and help the virus evade the host immune system. Widespread dissemination of the viral variants may cause severe clinical consequences, lengthy hospitalizations, and unfavorable prognoses. Healthcare systems will be stretched, and health workers will be fatigued. Fast, equitable, and widespread vaccination with strict adherence to hygiene protocols will control the rising curves of the pandemic due to the new variants. •C.37 is a variant of interest. Will it become an emerging variant of concern?•New SARS-CoV-2 variants tend to emerge and dominate the COVID-19 pandemic.•New variants evolve with phenotypic implications for heightened transmissibility and infectivity.